Jan 21, 2026
If you’ve noticed beauty brands suddenly swapping “anti-aging” for “skin longevity,” you’re not imagining things; it’s all the rage, and honestly, as a beauty editor, I kind of love the shift.
For decades, anti-aging messaging has been all about fighting time: Erase wrinkles! Reverse damage! Look younger at all costs! But the idea behind skin longevity is way more supportive (and way less shame-y). It focuses on keeping your skin healthy, resilient, and functioning well in the long term, rather than treating aging as a problem to fix.
This language shift matters because aging is normal. It’s also a privilege. Allure famously stopped using the term “anti-aging” years ago, pointing out that the phrase subtly frames aging like something negative! And in 2026, so far, the trend reporting, longevity-focused skincare is increasingly about prevention and supporting skin cells, not just “treating” the signs of aging after the fact.
What does “skin longevity” actually look like in real life? It’s the stuff dermatologists have been preaching forever, just in a cooler font: daily sunscreen, barrier support, and evidence-backed ingredients. The American Academy of Dermatology emphasizes sun protection to prevent premature aging (and skin cancer), which is basically longevity 101. Some researchshows that topical retinoids like tretinoin can improve signs of skin aging by supporting collagen balance.
So no, skin longevity isn’t about pretending wrinkles won’t happen. It’s about asking: How do I want my skin to age? And how can I support it, as I do the rest of my health?
Jan 20, 2026
On days that feel like, mehhh, I love to go on Pinterest and get a fix of inspiration and a mix of motivational quotes, makeup brands, the random and unnecessary Amazon household gadget ad, and a few odds and ends, but a trend I’ve seen a lot of lately, the Dopamine Menu.
Basically, if your brain has ever been like “I want to feel better, but I don’t know what to dooooo”, let me introduce you to the dopamine menu.
A dopamine menu (sometimes called a “dopamenu”) is basically a personal list of feel-good activities you can pick from when you’re low-energy, overwhelmed, or sliding into doomscrolling mode. It’s inspired by the fact that dopamine is a neurotransmitter tied to motivation, reward, and pleasure — and it plays a role in how we seek out what feels good.
The concept was popularized in ADHD circles (shoutout to Jessica McCabe from How to ADHD), and it’s often described as a practical way to reduce decision fatigue and make it easier to choose supportive habits. By intentionally selecting activities that “boost dopamine levels” in healthy ways. And with some experts describing dopamine menus as essentially a rebrand of behavioral activation — aka strategies that help you do what’s good for you even when motivation is missing.
To build your own, think in menu categories:
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Appetizers (5–10 min): quick walk, playlist, stretch
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Mains (30–90 min): workout class, creative project, coffee date
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Sides (do alongside tasks): candle, lo-fi music, body doubling
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Desserts (fun but limited): TikTok, online shopping, reality TV
The goal isn’t “productivity.” It’s having a grab-and-go toolkit for joy — so future-you doesn’t have to think so hard.
Jan 15, 2026
Let’s talk about emotional labor, because if you’ve ever felt like the “project manager” of your relationship (or your household, friend group, family…honestly, society), you’re not alone. And yes: it’s exhausting.
At its core, emotional labor is the mental and emotional work involved in managing feelings, needs, and harmony — whether that’s remembering everyone’s birthdays, checking in on your partner’s mood, anticipating what needs to be done, smoothing over awkward moments, or being the one who always says, “We need to talk.” Emotional labor can be draining, especially when it’s constant and goes unrecognized.
And here’s the part that makes people quietly rage-clean their kitchens: emotional labor is often invisible. Or how one partner (often women) tends to carry the “mental load,” which can lead to relationship burnout and resentment over time.
So how do you share the load without turning it into a fight?
Start by making the invisible visible. Literally list out the “stuff you track” — appointments, groceries, social plans, emotional check-ins, family obligations. Then have an honest convo about ownership, not “helping.” (Because “helping” implies it’s your job.) The Fair Play method by Eve Rodsky is a popular framework for this — it encourages couples to divide responsibilities so each person fully owns tasks from start to finish (planning included).
Remember that emotional labor isn’t weakness — it’s work. And relationships feel so much better when the work is shared.
Jan 14, 2026
Let’s talk about cycle-synced movement—aka the permission slip so many of us need to stop forcing the same workout energy every single day of the month. Because if you’ve ever thought, “Why does my usual strength training feel easy one week and like I’m moving through molasses the next?”…you’re not imagining it.
Your menstrual cycle affects fluctuating hormones (mainly estrogen and progesterone), and those shifts can influence how you feel—energy, mood, motivation, even recovery. The good news: you can use this info to work with your body, not against it. (And no, it’s not an excuse to cancel workouts forever—just a smarter strategy.)
Here’s a simple breakdown:
Menstrual phase (your period): Think gentle + restorative. Walking, stretching, yoga, mobility work. And if cramps are a thing, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) notes that exercise can help with period pain.
Follicular phase (after your period): Many people feel more energetic as estrogen rises. This can be a great time for strength training, HIIT, and trying new goals, and research suggests performance may be stronger in this part of the cycle for some athletes.
Ovulation: Often the “peak energy” window—go for your hardest workouts if you’re feeling it.
Luteal phase (post-ovulation): Your body may lean toward slower recovery and more fatigue as progesterone rises. Some experts suggest moderate-intensity training here, and research shows some performance measures may dip late luteal for certain people.
Cycle syncing isn’t about rigid rules—it’s about body awareness and adjusting intensity so movement feels supportive, not punishing.
Jan 13, 2026
If your skin has ever felt like it’s going through a personality change (dry one week, breaking out the next, suddenly sensitive for no reason?) — hi, welcome to the very real world of hormonal skin changes. And no, you’re not being dramatic. Your hormones truly have that much influence over what’s happening on your face.
Here’s the deal: hormones like androgens, estrogen, and progesterone can impact things like oil production, inflammation, pigmentation, and even how well your skin holds onto moisture.
For example, androgens (a group of hormones that includes testosterone) can increase the size and activity of your oil glands, which means more sebum, clogged pores, and breakouts — especially around the jawline and chin. The American Academy of Dermatology explains how androgen shifts can contribute to acne and oiliness, and how hormonal acne is linked to sebum overproduction.
On the flip side, estrogen tends to support skin thickness, hydration, and elasticity. Research has shown estrogen can help stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid production—aka, the things that keep skin looking plump and dewy. So when estrogen dips (hello, PMS or perimenopause), skin can feel drier, duller, or just… more reactive.
And then there’s pregnancy, when hormones can trigger melasma (dark facial patches), increased pigmentation, and other changes. ACOG notes that melasma is common during pregnancy and emphasizes sun protection to prevent it from worsening.
Bottom line? Hormonal skin shifts are normal — but if changes feel extreme, persistent, or painful, it’s worth seeing a dermatologist. Your skin isn’t “acting up.” It’s communicating.
Jan 12, 2026
So I kicked off this month by deep-cleaning and reorganizing my office/guest room… and wow, it has been a journey. On one hand, I feel super energized, like YES, fresh start, clean slate, new chapter energy! But on the other hand…my neurodivergent brain is also doing that thing where it’s like, “Wait, but the chaos is organized.”
Like, truly, I am the human version of those “cleaning out your closet” memes. I need my stacks. I know what pile everything is in. And somehow it makes perfect sense to me!
Luckily, I have my personal cheat code visiting this week: my mom. (AKA: the most organized person I know.) She’s been helping me stay focused, keeping me motivated as the donation piles grow, and gently talking me down from a spiral after we realized I’ve basically purchased every pen that has ever existed in the stationery aisle.
But instead of feeling guilty about any of it, I’ve actually found this January reset to feel more intentional than usual, like I’m not just cleaning to clean; I’m clearing space for what’s next.
A few things I’m trying to keep in mind as I reorganize:
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Taking breaks is part of the process. It genuinely helps reset my brain when the piles start to feel like they’re swallowing me alive.
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A mini mindset shift: when I donate something I once loved (books, sweaters, craft supplies I swore I’d use), I remind myself it might be exactly what someone else has been looking for — like “OMG this is perfect!” energy.
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Letting myself feel proud of the small wins. An organized drawer! A cleared-out corner! It’s wild how one clean spot can make a whole space feel different, and honestly, it’s kind of inspiring me to dream about a full room refresh. But, you know — one step at a time.
All of this has me thinking: it’s always a good time to take stock of what makes your daily life feel easier and more supportive — whether that’s resting more, resetting your space, or just taking better care of your mind.
And really, the little changes can make a big difference.
Jan 9, 2026
If your skin has been acting dramatic lately — tight, flaky, red, stinging when you apply literally anything — welcome to winter skin barrier season. And I promise: you don’t need to overhaul your entire routine to fix it. In fact, the fastest way to repair a stressed barrier is usually to do less, not more.
Think of your skin barrier like a cozy coat for your face. Winter wind, indoor heat, and long hot showers can strip that “coat,” leading to more water loss and irritation. Experts recommend focusing on gentle cleansing, restoring moisture, and sealing it in (aka preventing transepidermal water loss).
So, for the next 2–3 weeks, simplify:
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Use a gentle cleanser (no scrubs, no acids, no “deep clean”)
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Moisturize on damp skin
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Pause harsh actives if your skin is burning or peeling
Now for the best part, current product picks that genuinely support barrier repair:
Barrier-friendly moisturizers (the heroes)
Pro tip:
Look for products with the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance if your skin is extra reactive.
Winter skin doesn’t always need a 12-step routine; it needs comfort, consistency, and a little barrier TLC.
Jan 7, 2026
Let’s be real for a second: talking about New Year intentions with your partner can very quickly start to feel like an annual performance review… and no one asked for that energy. You’re sitting there trying to share a hopeful vision for the year ahead, and suddenly it sounds like, “So here’s what we need to improve on.” Hard pass.
The trick is remembering that intentions aren’t a to-do list — they’re a conversation. Instead of leading with what needs to change, start with what’s already working. A little appreciation goes a long way in setting the tone. Think: I really loved how we supported each other during stressful moments last year rather than we need to communicate better. Same idea, totally different vibe.
It also helps to keep the focus on yourself, not your partner. Framing things as “I want to feel more connected this year” or “I’m hoping to create more space for rest” invites collaboration instead of defensiveness. You’re sharing where you’re headed, not assigning homework.
Timing matters too. This isn’t a conversation for when one of you is halfway through emails or already hungry. Choose a moment that feels relaxed — maybe during a walk, over coffee, or while cooking dinner together — when it’s easier to listen without feeling ambushed.
And finally, give yourselves permission to keep it light. You don’t have to solve the entire year in one conversation. Intentions can evolve, change, and be revisited. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s feeling like you’re on the same team, moving forward together.
Jan 6, 2026
Let's talk about what actually feels worth carrying into the new year (and what we’re very politely leaving behind).
First, the keepers. This is the year of boring basics done well — and honestly, that’s a compliment. Eating real, nourishing food most of the time, drinking enough water, and moving your body in ways you genuinely enjoy are still undefeated. Not because they’re trendy, but because they support energy, mood, digestion, and sleep (aka the things we complain about the most). Daily walks count. Stretching counts. Dancing while you clean your kitchen absolutely counts. And sleep? We’re finally giving it the respect it deserves — fewer late-night scrolls, more wind-down rituals that help your nervous system chill.
What’s also in: realistic goals. Not “new year, new personality,” but “what’s one habit I can repeat even on a busy Tuesday?” Consistency over intensity is the vibe.
Now, what we’re gently breaking up with. Extreme diet rules, obsessive tracking, and wellness trends that promise instant results but leave you exhausted and confused. You don’t need a complicated supplement stack, a hyper-restrictive eating plan, or a 12-step skincare routine to be healthy. More isn’t better — simpler, science-backed habits usually win.
And maybe most importantly, we’re done with the idea that wellness has to feel punishing. The healthiest habits are the ones that support your life, not take it over. This year, let’s choose habits that feel supportive, flexible, and kind — the kind you’d actually recommend to a friend sitting across from you at brunch.
Jan 5, 2026
If I’m being honest, the new year has always brought a mix of excitement and overwhelm for me. There’s so much possibility… and somehow that can feel just as stressful as it is inspiring. Am I setting the right goals? Am I doing this “new year” thing correctly? But lately, I’ve been reminding myself that goals don’t have to be grand to be meaningful. Sometimes they look like perfecting a Caesar salad, spending more intentional time with my very old dog, or writing a real letter to my best friend—even though we text every day. The big, ambitious goals still matter too, but there’s something grounding about honoring the small ones alongside them.
One tradition I’ve held onto since college is choosing a single word to guide the year ahead. Some years it comes easily; others take a little sitting with. This year, the word arrived quickly: vitality. Defined as “the state of being strong and active; energy,” it feels like an anchor—and a reminder of how I want to move through this next chapter, with curiosity, strength, and a little spark.
As we ease into this first whole week “back to it,” I’m keeping things simple—sharing a few wellness intentions to bring into the new year:
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Replace “appearing busy” with “living well.”
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More intentional meetings, both professionally and personally.
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Wear SPF Every. Single. Day.
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Enjoy the “little treats” throughout the day - looking at you $8 cold brew.
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Go on 10 10-minute neighborhood walks, phone-free, in between client meetings and calls.
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Discover new ways to move my body (reformer pilates has been on my to-do list for at least 3 years now).
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Schedule regular healthcare check-ups and incorporate more self-care routines (as budget allows), such as facials, massage, and acupuncture.
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Exploring “goal planning” with seasons (or Q1, Q2, Q3, etc.) - instead of feeling overwhelmed at the beginning this year!
Emmy Hayes Condon
